Automobile Platform

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Automobile Platform shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Automobile Platform offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Automobile Platform at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Automobile Platform? Wrong! If the Automobile Platform is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Automobile Platform then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Automobile Platform? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Automobile Platform and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Automobile Platform wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Automobile Platform then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Automobile Platform site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Automobile Platform, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Automobile Platform, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. Many vendors refer to this as a vehicle architecture. Originally, a platform was a literally shared chassis from a previously-engineered vehicle, as in the case for the Volkswagen Beetle frame under the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The first generic platform to be shared among a number of vehicles was the Ford Fox platform of the 1970s. In the 1980s, Chrysler's Chrysler K platform all wore a badge with the letter, "K", to indicate their shared platform.

Today, platform sharing is much less noticeable. Vehicle architectures consist of "under the skin" components only, and shared platforms can show up in unusual places like the Nissan FM platform-mates Z-car sports car and Infiniti FX SUV. Volkswagen A platform-mates like the Audi TT and Volkswagen Golf also share much of their mechanical components but seem entirely different. Ford Motor Company has had much success building many well differentiated vehicles from many marques off the same platforms.

Key mechanical components that define an automobile platform include:

Chassis, along with Automobile safety#Safety features and key body dimensions
Steering mechanism and type of power steering
Type of front/rear Suspension (vehicle)s
Choice and placement of Internal combustion engine and other powertrain components